The University of Alabama landed a surprise signee to start National Signing Day when Rivals250 defensive lineman Korren Kirven announced his choice and signed with the Crimson Tide.

TideSports.com caught up with the new signee on Wednesday to talk about why he chose Alabama, what the process has been like and how his recovery from a broken leg is going.

Q: First, why did you decide to sign with Alabama? A: I just felt comfortable down there when I went back down. All of the coaches are professional. They don't tell you what you want to hear. They have to got to keep it real with you. All of the players told me how it is down there. It's not easy. You've got to work your butt off. I like to hear that. It came down to basically where I feel comfortable. I felt like they could develop me the best at Alabama. I could reach my full potential at Alabama, so that's why I chose there.

Q: Was it difficult to turn down Virginia Tech, the in-state school? A: It was kind of tough, but I had to do what was best for me.

Q: Did your mom and dad want you to stay home and go to Virginia Tech? A: No, they supported me and any decision I was going to make. When I told him I was going to Alabama, they were just happy for me.

Q: When did you make the decision and know you were going to Alabama? A: It was actually a couple of days ago. I told a couple of the coaches that I was probably going to be coming there. I just had to think on stuff a little bit. When I woke up (Wednesday) morning, I knew it was going to be Alabama. Q: How did it feel when you finally signed the papers? A: It was great. It's the only time you're really going to sign with a school, so it was a big deal. I'm glad everybody came out to watch me sign and stuff. It was a real big moment.

Q: Has the coaching staff talked to you about potential playing time? A: They don't promise anything. They didn't talk about starting or anything like that. Basically, you work your butt off, and depending on how you come in there, you might play, you might not, you might get redshirted. Whatever happens, happens. I'm ready for it. If I get redshirted, then I'll get to develop more, but if not, if I come in there and get in the rotation, I'm cool with that, too.

Q: How big of a factor was Alabama's pipeline to the NFL? A: It's a big deal. Every kid wants to play in the pros one day. Some don't have that opportunity, but at Alabama, I feel like if you go there and shine, if you go there and start for Alabama's defense, you're definitely going to have a shot going somewhere pro-wise.

Q: What's this whole recruiting process been like for you? A: It's been fun, but it's been a long process. It started a couple years back with numerous camps, numerous calls from writers and coaches, but you have your fun moments with the camps, getting to meet people and the relationships you make. I just had a real fun time in this process. I enjoyed every minute of it. I don't regret anything.

Q: Between now and when you enroll, what are you going to do to help get yourself ready for Alabama? A: I'm going to get my leg right with rehab and stuff, try to get back to 100 percent real quick. I just want to get bigger, faster and stronger. I'm going to run, lift, study the playbook and different things like that to get ready for Alabama football.

Q: How's your recovery coming along with your injury?A: I actually got off my crutches yesterday. I've been cleared to do light workouts and stuff, like weight lifting and bicycling. If I can do that over the next couple of weeks, I'll be able to do more.